How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant – CMA
Why should I consider becoming a certified medical assistant?
Certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) signifies to employers as well as colleagues that you have a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to perform in a medical assisting position. Though the medical assistant profession is projected a very high growth rate over the next decade, tough economic times have led to greater competition for jobs in the field. Certified Medical Assistant status offers an opportunity to set oneself apart from other candidates.
CMA Resources
- Career Plan: How to Become a Medical Assistant
- Medical Assistant Schools
- Schools Offering: Online Medical Assisting Programs
- Medical Assistant Advancement
- Related Patient Care Careers
The most critical eligibility requirement to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam is completion of a medical assisting program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or one that has been accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). If you enroll in a program that has not been accredited by one of these accrediting bodies you will not be eligible to sit for the exam. The AAMA website has links to the CAAHEP and ABHES websites where you can check if a particular medical assistant program is accredited or search for one in your state.
After completing an accredited medical assistant program you will need to apply for the exam through the AAMA. Once approved you will then need to schedule an exam time. Pass the exam and you will be sent your certificate and be eligible to use the title of Certified Medical Assistant. You’ll only need to recertify your credential every five years via continuing education or the recertification exam.
Take the next step to becoming a CMA and explore schools that offer CAAHEP or ABHES accredited programs.
